10 3-Hour+ Movies That Don’t Feel Long At All

Some movie experiences are so memorable that time flies even if it lasts hours. When the storytelling is strong enough and there’s enough to say, it may feel like the movie should never end. Countless directors have taken on a project that produces an immense surplus of footage. From political dramas to historical epics, there are so many details to cover to tell the full story. But if the audience is emotionally involved enough, they’ll want to stay with the protagonists for as long as possible.

Worth considering when it comes to runtime is that movie theaters today are struggling to bring people in. For a viewer to want to leave the comfort of their own home, with their own snacks and unlimited breaks, the film has to be something special. It needs to feel like an event that people will want to spend money on so they feel like they’re getting as much as possible. There was a time when Hollywood churned out multiple short movies just for ticket sales; long-running epics that still break records are even more impressive, and most likely succeed because they don’t feel long.

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10

The Wolf Of Wall Street (2013)

Runtime: 3 Hours

Martin Scorsese doesn’t shy away from a long film. With so many of his projects lasting at least two hours or more, he’s all about the details. His characters are rich and developed, and he makes sure to include great dialogue, exciting action, and some wonderful shots that don’t only make his films great stories, but also visual delights. However, The Wolf of Wall Street was a bit of a departure for the director. While he incorporated humor in many of his projects, this was probably one of the funniest films he’s made.

Reuniting with Leonardo DiCaprio, and spotlighting the talents of Margot Robbie and Jonah Hill, this dark comedy explores the world of finance with nuance, unexpected storytelling, and a lot of humor. The chemistry between the actors is brilliant, and the writing by Terence Winter and Jordan Belfort is highly entertaining. The movie is a wild ride from start to finish, with very few moments of respite. By the time audiences finish watching, it’s had to believe three hours have gone by.

9

Hamlet (1996)

Runtime: 4 Hours 2 Minutes

Kenneth Branagh’s passion project really pays homage to Shakespeare’s classic play. It’s clear that the director, who also plays the titular prince of Denmark, is involved in so many aspects of the movie. The play itself lasts about the same time as the film, and Branagh wanted to ensure every scene was true to the original and had much emotional depth. With Kate Winslet playing Ophelia and Julie Christie as Gertrude, the Bard’s words come to life in the most authentic way.

If viewers have a particular disdain for William Shakespeare’s tragedies, this might not be the best way to spend four hours, but fans of the classics will be enthralled by the production, attention to detail, and wonderful performances from the cast. As a director, Branagh excels; as an actor, he applies care and consideration to this iconic role; and as a co-writer, he ensures the words carry as much meaning as possible. With so many twists and turns, it’s impossible to feel anything other than riveted for the duration.

8

Gandhi (1982)

Runtime: 3 Hours 11 Minutes

Ghandi is one of the most successful biopics of all time, earning eight Academy Awards and multiple other accolades for the film’s director, Richard Attenborough, and star, Ben Kingsley. This true story is a fascinating one, exploring the impact of one of the most important political figures in world history. With so many achievements, and so many different layers to this fascinating man, there’s a lot to delve into. However, as the film tells the story of war, diplomacy, and very complicated politics, the writing doesn’t disappoint.

Viewers are immersed in these troubled times, and guided through Ghandi’s complicated life and achievements with skill and dedication, making the film a gripping historical epic. In one of his most revered roles, Kingsley delivers a powerful performance that adds to the quality of the film. From the first scene where he is assassinated, to the last where he’s honored for his contributions, audiences are drawn in and invested.

7

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Schindler’s List (1993)

Runtime: 3 Hours 15 Minutes

Steven Spielberg’s gut-wrenching saga of the Holocaust is one of his most important pieces of work. The director has created many beloved films and blockbusters, but this WWII drama was possibly the closest to his heart to date. Rendered completely in black and white, it gives viewers the impression they’re watching a film from the actual time it depicts. It also allows for one of the more poignant and heartbreaking scenes involving the famous girl in a red coat.

Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes produced incredibly moving performances, and the film was celebrated with seven Oscars. The subject matter covered in the film is extremely distressing, and very emotionally moving. Like many films about this period, the topics are uncomfortable, but the conversations sparked from having watched them are extremely important. As viewers witness the atrocities and the humanity that grows from feelings of despair, there’s not a moment when they don’t feel touched and impacted by what they’re watching.

6

JFK (1991)

Runtime: 3 Hours 9 Minutes

As one of the most famous mysteries in history, the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy has spawned many different feature films, television shows, and documentaries. Oliver Stone left no stone unturned with JFK, an extremely dedicated and suspenseful thriller. Kevin Costner leads the cast as well as the investigation as he goes deeper and deeper into a world of corruption, secrets, and uncertainty.

It may seem like a dense topic to cover, but the story is truly gripping. As Jim Garrison navigates the layers of the murder of the popular politician, viewers learn more and more fascinating details about the ins and outs of scandal and political intrigue. With tense music, very succinct writing, and a very deep bench of famous and talented actors, JFK doesn’t let up at any moment.

5

Gone With The Wind (1939)

Runtime: 3 Hours 58 Minutes

Based on Margaret Mitchell’s novel of the same name, this epic melodrama is one of the most famous pieces in cinema history. Very much a product of its time concerning subject matter and execution, Gone With the Wind tells a story of war, peace, love, and struggle, as led by the incomparable Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O’Hara. This strong and resilient woman navigates her place in society after the American Civil War turns the only world she’s ever known upside down. The film covers so many different events and time periods that it feels like a miniseries all in one.

Each section is filled with drama, extraordinary costumes, and compelling line delivery. Leigh’s chemistry with Clark Gable as Rhett Butler is timeless, making a film from 1939 sizzle with sensuality. Each hardship Scarlett has to face makes her tougher but more bitter, and audiences want to know what happens next. From its seemingly idyllic first picnic to the burning of Charleston, the audiences are invested in what happens with the romantic entanglements, and what happens to Tara.

4

Titanic (1997)

Runtime: 3 Hours 14 Minutes

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James Cameron spent countless hours visiting the most famous wreckage in history, and his fascination with the topic is visible in this 1997 blockbuster. Covering themes of love, class struggle, and showing more of what actually happened that fateful night than ever before, there’s much to be enthralled by. Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio deliver a beautiful love story that audiences root for throughout the tragedy, with plenty of memorable moments. Whether they’re kissing on the bow, running through the engine room, or trying to survive the sinking, these two characters have viewers hooked.

Meanwhile, the groundbreaking special effects bring audiences aboard this ill-fated vessel, and it’s a marvel how well they have aged, even after all these years. Billy Zane makes a formidable villain, and trying to spot the real people who sailed on the ship is a great touch of detail. With 11 Academy Awards, a record-breaking box office run, and a fascinating historical backdrop, Titanic could arguably do with being even longer.

3

Oppenheimer (2023)

Runtime: 3 hours

Christopher Nolan made sure he delved deep into this fascinating scientist’s life. With a topic so extremely complex as the invention of the atomic bomb and its impact on society, it stands to reason that there’s a lot to investigate in Oppenheimer. This modern classic merges various cinema styles to tell as many sides of the story as possible. There’s a political aspect to it, an almost science fiction feel, and hints of legal drama that flow through the duration of this Best Picture-winning film.

Cillian Murphy plays the titular scientist with so much emotion, regret, and hubris, that it’s hard to tell what each new timeline shown will have in store. The supporting cast reads like a who’s who of Hollywood, with Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, and Florence Pugh all in supporting roles. The film is also extremely immersive, taking audiences on a visual and aural journey that leaves an impression for a long time. To say that the film is over when the credits roll would be untrue. So many emotions, fears, and feelings linger for much longer.

2

The Godfather Part II (1974)

Runtime: 3 Hours 22 Minutes

Considered to be one of the best movie sequels in history, and Francis Ford Coppola’s magnum opus, The Godfather Part II proves that it’s possible for the second part to live up to the first. While the original Godfather film was a critical and commercial success, its second installment is thought by many to have even surpassed it. Of course, that’s all up for debate, but it’s no secret that the young Vito Corleone’s life proves a fascinating saga to watch. Robert De Niro puts in a strong performance, and the juxtaposition of his life and his son’s is a very clever device.

Both stories feel like full films, so the fact that they get enough screen time to convey what needs to be said is a blessing. Al Pacino’s Michael’s arc is full of treachery and power struggles, and seeing how the empire he now leads was built creates extra depth in the story of his family. With each part of the trilogy lasting an ample amount of time, it still feels like more versions could exist as well.

1

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Runtime: 3 hours 1 minute

The set-up of the MCU was a stroke of genius in storytelling. Weaving together different characters in a way that feels cohesive and organic made these first few waves of Marvel movies a must-see every time. When Iron Man showed its first post-credit scene, little did viewers know what they were in for. The standalone films varied in quality, but with standouts like Captain America: Winter Soldier, Black Panther, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1, there was plenty to work with. The Avengers films themselves are magical, as seeing the cast come together was very special indeed.

The buildup of tension among the team, teasing certain things like Cap wielding Mjölnir, and pairing up unexpected heroes all lead up to one final resolution for this particular roster of Avengers. Each fight is epic, the humor never disappoints, and the stakes are higher than ever. After going through the heartbreak of seeing Spider-Man and Bucky turn to dust, audiences don’t feel too confident at any moment, keeping them on the edge of their seats throughout. With fan service played, some deeply emotional moments, and finally hearing Chris Evans say “Avengers Assemble,” there’s not a moment of this film is wasted.

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Category: Entertainment